James Harden’s summer job: Recruiting free agents

It was All-Star Weekend in Houston when Dwight Howard and Chris Paul — the two prize members of the NBA free-agent class — among others were in town.

The perfect time for the Rockets’ star James Harden to add recruiter to his repertoire.

“I’ve built some friendships these last couple years, this summer and throughout the time playing,” Harden told the Chronicle’s Jonathan Feigen. “They know what kind of person I am, how hard-working I am, knowing I want to win. I hope that becomes a factor of wanting to come to Houston and trying to win championships.”

Asked if he had begun making his sales pitch, or at least laying the groundwork for next summer, he said he has chatted with “a couple guys.”

Asked who has received his initial recruiting attention, Harden smiled broadly and said, “A couple guys.”

Well, it’s almost the NBA’s summer now as the countdown to the July 1 free-agent signing period nears. And naturally, Harden may have started his recruiting.

Harden responded on Wednesday to a question from Alex Rankin of Houston on the subject: